[3] In addition to bricks, the same plant burned clay roof tiles which offered greatly improved weather proofing, durability and dignity to the burgeoning public buildings.
On 4 June 1789, just sixteen months after the first landing at Sydney Cove, the early settlers gathered to celebrate the birthday of King George III and the grand opening of Government House.
This was far from satisfactory, but by adapting his construction methods to these crude conditions he produced serviceable buildings, which also were by no means unseemly, because he was working within the long-established rules of Georgian architecture.
He came to the Colony among its first inhabitants in the year 1788, and obtained the Appointment, from his exemplary conduct, shortly after his arrival; the first house in this part of the Southern Hemisphere was by him erected, and most of the Public Buildings since have been under his direction.
To lament his loss he has left a widow and five children, the youngest an infant now only one week old; and the complaint which terminated in his dissolution was supposed to proceed from a severe cold contracted about two months ago.
The Attention and concern which prevailed at the interment of the deceased was sufficient testimonies of the respect with which he filled and the integrity with which he uninterruptedly discharged the duties of a Public Trust during so long a period........
When near the burial ground the Association were obliged to file off, for the accommodation of the friends of the deceased, and the populace, who were become very numerous; and when the remains were deposited approached the grave and performed military honours.